United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1980
Victims of Toxic and Hazardous Substances Emergency Relief Act of 1980 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency: (1) to determine promptly, but in no event later than 15 days, whether toxic or hazardous wastes pose a serious and immediate threat to the public health or safety, whenever the Administrator receives evidence that such wastes may pose a threat to the public; and (2) to submit to the President a recommendation that a state of hazardous substances emergency be declared, if the Administrator determines that such wastes pose such threat. Authorizes the President, in the President's discretion and upon recommendation of the Administrator, to declare a state of hazardous substances emergency with such amendments and deletions to the Administrator's recommendations as the President sees fit. Directs the Administrator: (1) after such state of emergency has been declared, to forward recommendations for immediate actions to protect the public health and safety to the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency; and (2) thereafter, to act promptly to (a) determine the extent of the contamination of air, land, and water (including ground water), and (b) screen and test the population likely to have been exposed to such wastes in a manner or degree capable of causing physical injury (including any poisoning, burn, infection, chromosomal damage, or genetic defect); (c) study crops and livestock in the affected area and identify those unfit for human consumption; and (d) evaluate alternatives to prevent further damage to human life or health. Directs the Administrator to submit initial and supplemental reports and recommendations at specified times to the Director. Requires the Director, on the basis of such reports and recommendations and other relevant information, to undertake promptly, during the first 12 months following the declaration of a state of emergency, actions necessary to protect public health and safety, including: (1) immediate relocation of the physically injured or those in serious danger; (2) permanent closing of contaminated structures and property; (3) purchase, at prior fair market value, of homes closed; (4) medical treatment to reverse, treat, or prevent physical injury or reimbursement for such treatment; (5) compensatory payments for residents whose income is interrupted due to the toxic or hazardous wastes; and (6) commencement of a screening program for early detection of future physical injury resulting from exposure to such wastes. Subrogates the United States to the rights of any individual compensated under this Act, to the extent that such individual has a cause of action against a person who has disposed of a toxic or hazardous substance and such disposal has resulted in a state of hazardous substances emergency. Requires that the emergency state be terminated 12 months after it is declared or upon the President's declaration of termination. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1980
Law Enforcement Officers' Protection Act of 1980 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) conduct a study to determine the capacity of handgun bullets to penetrate bulletproof vests and the risk posed to law enforcement officers by the availability of handgun bullets; and (2) report the findings and legislative recommendations to the President and Congress within one year after funds are made available under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1980
Authorizes and requests the President to designate the seven-day period beginning October 5, 1980, as "National Port Week." Directs the Secretary of Commerce to report annually to Congress on the conditions of U.S. public ports.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1980
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to extend from five to ten years the period during which a spouse becoming eligible for a government pension may qualify for an exemption from the provisions of the Social Security Amendments of 1977 requiring a reduction in such spouse's OASDI benefits based on receipt of a government pension.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1980
Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to transfer the authority to invest moneys in federally-guaranteed bonds from the (Treasury) surety bond fund to the (Treasury) qualified contract fund. Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to delegate certain responsibilities respecting deferred participation loans to participating lending institutions, including eligibility determination, loan monitoring, collection, and liquidation. Includes "Asian Pacific Americans" within the definition of socially disadvantaged groups for purposes of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1980
Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to authorize the Small Business Administration (SBA) to guarantee the payment of all principal and interest as scheduled on any debenture issued by any qualified State or local development company. Prohibits such a guarantee to be made unless: (1) the debenture is issued to permit a small business to use the proceeds of the loan for plant acquisition, construction, expansion, or conversion purposes; (2) private loan sources are unavailable; (3) the interest rate on such debenture is not lower than Treasury rates; (4) the aggregate amount of such debenture does not exceed the amount of loans to be made from the proceeds of such debenture; (5) the amount of any loan does not exceed 50 percent of the cost of the project with respect to which such loan is made; and (6) each loan is approved by the SBA. Authorizes the SBA to impose an administrative charge for such guarantees. Defines the term "qualified State or local development company" to mean a development company which has a full-time professional staff, professional management ability, and an active board of directors or membership.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1980
Amends the Small Business Act to specify that contract priority shall be given to small businesses. Revises the existing priority order for Federal contracts under set-aside programs to set forth the following order of priorities: (1) small businesses located in labor surplus areas, on the basis of a total set-aside; (2) small businesses, on the basis of a total set-aside; (3) small businesses located in labor surplus areas, on the basis of a partial set-aside; (4) small businesses, on the basis of a partial set-aside; and (5) businesses (regardless of size) that will perform a substantial part of their contract production in areas of concentrated unemployment or underemployment or in labor surplus areas. Repeals the existing provision terminating such priorities as of September 30, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1980
Small Business Employee Ownership Act of 1980 - Declares the purpose of this Act to be to provide that a qualified employee trust shall be eligible for certain Small Business Administration (SBA) loan guarantees regardless of the percentage of stock of the business held by the trust, including loans for the purchase of small business majority stock interests. Amends the Small Business Act to define "qualified employee trust" as: (1) a trust which is part of an employee stock ownership plan as defined by the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (a) which is maintained by a small business; and (b) entitles plan participants to direct the manner in which voting rights under qualifying employer securities are to be exercised respecting a corporate matter which must be decided by a majority vote of outstanding common shares voted; and (2) in the case where the trustee enters into an agreement with the SBA which is binding on the trust and on the small business and which provides that; (a) the guaranteed loan shall be used solely for buying qualifying employer securities of such business; (b) such business shall provide loan repayment funds and put up its property for security for such loan if necessary; and (c) all such purchased qualifying employer securities shall be allocated to eligible plan participants' accounts. States that a trust may be treated as a qualified employee trust with respect to a small business if: (1) the trust is maintained by an employee organization representing at least 51 percent of such business' employees; and (2) such business maintains a plan (a) which is designed to invest primarily in qualifying employer securities, (b) which provides for plan participants to direct specified employer securities voting rights exercised with respect to certain corporate matters, (c) which provides for repurchase of specified employer securities by the business, and (d) which meets other requirements that may be prescribed by the SBA; and (3) in the case of certain loan guarantees, such business enters into a trustee-SBA agreement (as set forth in this Act). Authorizes the SBA to guarantee certain loans to employee trusts for approved (by the SBA) stock purchases which will result in at least 51 percent employee trust-ownership of such business. Sets forth the requirements of such SBA approved plan. Requires periodic reports to be made to Congress respecting such loan guarantees. Directs the SBA to contract with an independent consultant for a study of the feasibility of loan guarantees directly to the seller of a small business concern in connection with the installment sale of such business. States that such study shall include an analysis of: (1) the extent of installment sales in the sale of small businesses; (2) the ability of the SBA to make credit judgments in connection with such sales; (3) the need for SBA loan guarantees to facilitate such sales; (4) financial institution participation; and (5) the anticipated cost of such a program. Directs the SBA to report to the appropriate House and Senate committees regarding such study not later than April 1, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1980
Small Business Development Center Act of 1980 - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make grants to States, regional entities, and any public or private institution of higher education to assist them in developing centers to provide small businesses with a broad range of advice, information, and assistance. Requires grant applicants to obtain matching funds on a 50-50 basis from non-Federal sources. Limits any recipient from receiving a grant greater than its pro rata (based on population) share of a $65,000,000 program, or $200,000, whichever is greater. Sets forth application guidelines. Authorizes the SBA to permit a center to provide assistance to small businesses within close proximity located in another State. Requires applicants to assist small businesses to solve their business problems in such areas as: operations, manufacturing, engineering, technology and development, personnel administration, marketing, sales, merchandising, finance, accounting, and business strategy development. Sets forth services to be provided by such centers including: (1) counseling; (2) information services; (3) research and surveys; and (4) financial, legal, and other business-related information and consulting sources. Authorizes the use of consultants, engineers, and testing laboratories. Directs the National Science Foundation and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to cooperate with small business development centers participating in the program, to report annually to the SBA and the Congress, and to make recommendations to the SBA on continued funding. Directs the Administrator of the SBA to appoint a Deputy Associate Administrator for Management Assistance to administer the small business development center program. Establishes a National Small Business Development Center Advisory Board composed of nine members appointed by the Administrator to advise and confer with the Deputy Associate Administrator for Management Assistance. Requires each State small business development center to establish an advisory board appointed by the Governor to advise and confer with the Director of such State small business development center. Directs the SBA, with the advice of the Board, to establish an evaluation plan of the center program and to submit a report to the Senate Select Committee on Small Business and the House Committee on Small Business by January 31, 1982. Eliminates such program as of October 1, 1983. States that on or after October 1, 1979, the SBA shall only fund small business development center programs authorized by this Act. Stipulates that: (1) such restriction shall not apply in fiscal year 1980 to any center funded by the SBA before October 1, 1979; and (2) no such center funded in fiscal year 1978 may be funded in excess of $300,000 in fiscal year 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1980
Extends the commendation of the Congress to the military personnel who took part in the attempt to rescue the hostages in Iran and recommends that the President consider awarding appropriate military decorations to such personnel. Extends congressional condolences to the families of the men who died during the attempted rescue. Recommends that Iranian assets frozen in the United States be made available to certain American claimants for damages against Iran.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1980
Expresses the condolences of the Congress over the death of members and officials of the United States Amateur Athletic Union boxing team in a plane crash in Warsaw, Poland.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1980
Establishes a presumption of service-connected disability caused by exposure to a phenoxy herbicide (Agent Orange) for veterans who served in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam era. Waives the one-year limitation on claims for compensation for such disabilities.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1980
Establishes within the National Institutes of Health the Office of Drugs of Limited Commercial Value under the direction of the Director of the National Institutes of Health. Establishes within the Office an advisory council to advise the Director and make recommendations to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (formerly Health, Education, and Welfare) respecting the time required for drug approval under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Authorizes the Director to provide financial assistance to entities for the development of drugs of limited commercial value, defined as a drug for a condition or disease of low incidence, to undertake the development of such drugs, undertake studies to determine the potential and need for specific drugs, and coordinate the efforts of public and private entities engaged in the development of such drugs. Requires the submission and approval of an application containing the scientific basis for the development of the drug and the proposed therapeutic use of the drug and other specified information before financial assistance is provided. Requires each entity receiving funds to keep specified records. Requires the Director to report to Congress within two years on the effectiveness of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1980
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System should immediately take steps to reduce interest rates.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1980
Extends death benefit coverage under title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to include public safety officers who die as a result of a medical condition sustained while ingesting a poisonous substance or while subject to extreme physical stress, on a single occasion or during a single event, in the performance of duty.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1980
Amends the Federal Hazardous Substances Act to establish labeling requirements for substances which cause chronic health side effects. Authorizes the Consumer Product Safety Commission to determine which substances or mixture of substances possess chronic toxicity and are capable of being ingested, inhaled, or absorbed into the human body through any customary or reasonably foreseeable handling, use, or misuse. Sets forth criteria for the determination of toxicity. Sets forth labeling requirements for such substances, including: (1) a statement which describes the nature of a side effect and an explanation of procedures to be followed to counteract such side effect; and (2) a warning where a substance has been determined to possess chronic toxicity that such substance has been shown to cause cancer in animals or in humans.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1980
Declares that a Postal Service employee who stops working because of abnormally dangerous working conditions shall not be considered to be striking. Prohibits another Postal Service employee or officer from interfering with such employee's right not to work under such conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1980
Minority Business Development Act of 1980 - Redesignates the Minority Business Development Agency in the Department of Commerce as the Minority Business Development Administration. Provides that such Administration shall be headed by an Assistant Secretary of Commerce. Title I: Market Development - Sets forth such Administration's duties in the private and public sectors, including: (1) assistance in penetrating domestic and foreign markets; (2) encouragement in establishing joint ventures; and (3) assistance and cooperation with State and local governments. Authorizes the Administration to provide financial assistance in carrying out such purposes to State and local governments, and to public and private business organizations. Title II: Capital Formation - Authorizes such Administration to defray all or part of the costs of pilot or demonstration projects designed to assist disadvantaged business in obtaining access to equity capital. Establishes within the Treasury a revolving fund for such Administration's use. Authorizes the use of such funds to aid qualified businesses by purchasing equity investments (up to $2,000,000) in such businesses. Title III: Management Educational Development - Sets forth duties of the Administration related to management development. Title IV: Research and Information - Sets forth duties of the Administration related to research and information, including: (1) data collection and analysis; (2) economic surveys; and (3) maintaining a data bank and information clearinghouse. Requires the Administration to submit a report to Congress within one year of enactment of this Act regarding the resources needed to advance and represent disadvantaged businesses. Title V: Administrative and Miscellaneous Powers of the Administration - Sets forth administrative provisions. Requires the Assistant Secretary to submit an annual report to the President regarding the Administration's activities.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1980
Alternative and Worksite Education Act of 1980 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to establish an Office of Alternative and Worksite Education, under the general supervision and direction of the Assistant Secretary for Educational Research and Improvement, in the Department of Education. Directs the Secretary of Education to make grants to qualified nonprofit organizations located in and serving an eligible area to conduct alternative and worksite education programs. Sets forth criteria which applicants for program grants must meet. Directs the Secretary, in cooperation with the Secretary of Labor, to obtain and distribute to interested individuals and organizations information concerning the probable employee needs of employers, by general occupational category, for each standard metropolitan statistical area and State, and for the United States. Directs the Secretary to establish and operate a National Clearinghouse on Alternative and Worksite Education to collect, analyze, and distribute information. Provides for Federal civil rights law compliance in such program. Defines "eligible area" as a school district or county which was, during the most recent school year, eligible for assistance under the basic grants program of such Act. Defines qualified nonprofit organization as a private educational institution with: (1) specified capabilities relating to experimental education, Federal grants administration, and staff composition; (2) tax-exempt status; and (3) state accreditation for granting high school diplomas or the capability to successfully prepare enrolled students to achieve a high school equivalency. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act for fiscal years 1981 through 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1980
Prepaid Prescription Program Negotiation Act - Permits associations of professional pharmacists to negotiate collectively with third-party insurers (including Federal and State governments) relative to their reimbursement for dispensing prepaid prescriptions.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1980
Vietnam Veterans Comprehensive Readjustment and Rehabilitation Act - Title I: Interagency Coordination and Veterans Outreach Services - Requires the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to coordinate all programs and activities affecting veterans and their dependents with other departments and agencies. Directs the Administrator to initiate a comprehensive outreach and information program to inform and assist eligible veterans and eligible persons to understand and utilize such programs. Title II: Compensation and Treatment for Diseases and Disabilities caused by Toxic Substances and Radiation Exposure - Entitles a veteran who suffers from a personal injury or disease contracted in the line of duty, or a disabled child with birth defects resulting from genetic damage to a veteran, to compensation and medical care. Authorizes the Administrator to establish and carry out a comprehensive program of screening veterans who may have been exposed to toxic substances, chemical or biological agents, or radiation during their military, naval, or air service to determine whether such veterans have incurred any disease or disability as a result of such exposure. Provides for outreach services to inform and assist such veterans in adjusting to such diseases or disabilities. Permits the Administrator to establish a centralized registry of claims made before the Veterans' Administration (VA) or other appropriate agency arising out of exposure or possible exposure to toxic substances, chemical or biological agents, or radiation, and of the disabilities, diseases, genetic damage, or symptoms associated with such exposure. Title III: Readjustment Counseling Improvement and Expansion - Authorizes the Administrator to arrange for or assist the veteran or the veteran's dependent, or both, in obtaining readjustment counseling or mental health services. Allows for the Administrator to conduct or contract for comprehensive studies of the psychological and sociological effects of the Vietnam Conflict, military service, and the readjustment process upon veterans and dependents. Title IV: Vocational Rehabilitation - Defines for purposes of this Act: (1) medical condition; (2) program of education; (3) program of independent living services and assistance; (4) rehabilitated; (5) rehabilitation program; (6) serious employment handicap; (7) vocational goal; (8) vocational rehabilitation program. Sets forth the provisions regarding basic entitlement and periods of eligibility for eligible veterans. Sets forth the scope of services and assistance, including: (1) evaluation for rehabilitation potential; (2) educational, vocational, psychological, employment, and personal adjustment counseling; (3) allowance and other appropriate assistance; (4) work study allowance; (5) placement services; (6) personal adjustment and work adjustment training assistance, tuition, fees, books, supplies, and other training materials; (8) loans; (9) treatment care, and services; (10) prosthetic appliances and other corrective devices; (11) services to a veterans' family; (12) essential employment equipment and supplies for severely disabled veterans requiring homebound training and for self-employment; (13) travel and incidental expenses; (14) special rehabilitation services, including services for the blind and the deaf. Provides for the duration of rehabilitative programs. Requires extended evaluations of veterans with service-connected disabilities to determine whether such veteran may have or has a serious employment handicap. Allows the Administrator to formulate an individualized written plan of vocational rehabilitation for a veteran. Provides for the payment of a subsistence allowance to eligible veterans. Entitles severely disabled veterans to a program of independent living services, and assistance designed to enable such veteran to achieve maximum independence in the functions of daily living. Authorizes the Administrator to prescribe regulations regarding leaves of absences, conduct, and cooperation. Releases to eligible veterans all books, supplies, and equipment furnished to such veteran under this Act, unless the Administrator determines that such veteran must return the resources. Allows for vocational rehabilitation to hospitalized members of the Armed Forces and veterans. Provides that any Federal agency's facilities may be used to provide unpaid training or work experience as part of a veteran's vocational rehabilitation program. States that such a veteran shall be deemed a Federal employee for workmen's compensation purposes but not for the purposes of laws administered by the Office of Personnel Management. Directs the Veterans Administration (VA) to: (1) provide employment assistance, including direct employment placement, utilization of Federal, State, and nonprofit private employment services and securing loans and paying business license fees; (2) provide vocational rehabilitation staff training and development; and (3) carry out an ongoing program of rehabilitation research and special projects, including grants and contracts with public and nonprofit agencies. Directs the Administrator to appoint a Veterans' Advisory Committee on Rehabilitation. Revises provisions concerning the limitation on periods of assistance under two or more veterans' educational assistance programs to include post-Vietnam era benefits within such limitation, and to provide a 48 month aggregate eligibility period for vocational rehabilitation and other educational assistance. Authorizes the Administrator to evaluate a veteran's employability in considering certain claims based on total disability and unemployability. Title V: Conditional Cost-of-Living Adjustment Educational Assistance Allowance - Authorizes the Administrator to provide a conditional cost-of-living adjust educational assistance to an eligible veteran or eligible person who makes an application and is eligible therefore. Stipulates that a cost-of-living adjustment allowance shall be in lieu of any authorized educational assistance or training allowance. Title VI: GI Bill Program Adjustments - Modifies the delimiting period for completing a program of education for veterans. Provides for the extension of the delimiting period for eligible veterans up to a period of two years. States that the Administrator shall provide educational, vocational, and personal adjustment counseling for veterans eligible for educational assistance. Limits the aggregate period during which any person may receive assistance under two or more programs of education administered by the Veterans' Administration. Declares that educational assistance allowances for institutionalized veterans after 30 days of institutionalization shall accrue and be withheld (and converted to securities), paid to dependents, and paid to such veteran upon discharge. Authorizes the Administrator, upon the request of such veteran, to pay to such veteran all or part of the monthly allowance to meet continuing financial obligations of such veteran. Provides for the payment of unused contributions to the education assistance fund to specified individuals upon death of the participant. Eliminates reporting requirements to Congress regarding default rates and experience with respect to loans made under this Act to eligible veterans. Discharges a veteran's liability on loans upon such veteran's successful completion of educational, professional, or vocational objective. Title VII: Interagency Task Force; Presidential Commission or Veterans' Affairs - Establishes an Interagency Veterans' Advisory Task Force. Sets forth the duties and responsibilities of such Task Force. Title VIII: Job Counseling, Training, and Placement Service for Veterans - Establishes within the Department of Labor an Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans Employment. Title IX: Employment and Training of Disabled and Vietnam Era Veterans - Requires Federal contracts of $10,000 or more to require the contracting party to take affirmative steps to employ qualified disabled veterans and veterans of the Vietnam era and to make reasonable efforts to provide career development, advancement, and training opportunities to such veterans. Encourages veterans employment within the Federal Government. Title X: Veterans Career Development, Advancement, and Training Assistance - Establishes a program of career development, advancement, training, and related services for Vietnam-era veterans. Defines, for purposes of this Act: (1) eligible veteran; (2) eligible employer; and (3) dependent. Sets forth provisions regarding the entitlement to and the eligibility of a veteran for a career development and advancement or training allowance. Sets the duration of such eligibility. Requires the Administrator of the Veterans' Administration to provide occupational and vocational counseling. Permits an eligible veteran to select a program of career development and advancement, or a program of career development and training with an eligible employer in a chosen career field if the employer hires such veteran into its regular workforce with the expectation of permanent employment of the veteran after the training and career development assistance ends. Disallows approval of enrollment of a veteran for: (1) seasonal, intermittent or temporary jobs; (2) jobs paying less than $4.00 an hour, unless the Administrator determines in a particular case that the clause does not apply; (3) jobs outside the United States or its territories or possessions; (4) jobs under which commissions are the primary source of income; (5) employment which involves political or religious activities; (6) employment in an industry which a substantial number of experienced and able workers are unemployed; (7) jobs that are above entry level, except when applicable personnel procedures and collective bargaining procedures regarding the advancement of currently employed workers are complied with; (8) employment which would result in the displacement of any currently employed worker; (9) jobs which if filled would replace any worker who is on lay off, or on strike. Requires the Administrator to discontinue the career development and advancement allowance of an eligible veteran whose conduct or progress is unsatisfactory. Allows the Administrator to renew the veterans' allowance under certain conditions. Directs the Administrator to pay to each eligible veteran employer, on behalf of each eligible veteran, an allowance to meet in part the expenses of such veteran's wages, benefits, training, and any other necessary or appropriate costs. Sets forth the provisions for computation of career development, advancement, and training allowances and payment to eligible employers. Outlines the specifications for approval of career development and advancement programs. Provides for the issuance of certificates of approval to the eligible employers. Requires an employer who receives an overpayment as a result of: (1) willful or negligent failure to report a veteran's excessive absences from work or interruptions in a planned program; or (2) false certification to repay the amount of such overpayment to the United States. Allows the Administrator to make a complete report of the facts to the appropriate approving agency and, if considered advisable, to the Attorney General of the United States for appropriate action. Allows an eligible veteran to make one change of program, unless the Administrator finds sufficient reason to support further changes. Authorizes the Administrator to periodically conduct compliance surveys. Outlines the duties of the Secretary of Labor under this Act. Directs the Administrator, in consultation with the Secretaries of Labor, and of Health, Education, and Welfare, to provide for an outreach and public information program to inform eligible veterans of the program established by this Act. Title XI: Honorable Discharge (Limited) - Creates a discharge category of honorable discharge (limited) if the board determines that such individual has been rehabilitated, that such individual's conduct, activities, and habits since the individuals last discharge or dismissal have been exemplary for a reasonable period of time. Title XII: Effective Date - The amendments made by this Act shall take effect October 1, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1980
Presidential Commission on National Service Act of 1980 - Establishes the Presidential Commission on National Service to examine: (1) alternative national service programs; (2) the rate of women in any national service program; (3) the necessity for drafting individuals into any national service program; (4) the role of military and civilian service in any national service program; (5) examine existing volunteer service programs. Sets forth the duties, membership, and powers of the Commission. Directs the Commission to submit a final report to the President and to Congress. Terminates the Commission 180 days after submission of its final report. Authorizes appropriations necessary for the Commission to carry out its duties.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1980
School Lunch Study Act of 1980 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to study and report to the appropriate committees of Congress on the feasibility of amending the National School Lunch Act to make all children within specified jurisdictions eligible for free lunches.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1980
Uniform Relocation Assistance Act Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 to require that relocation benefits, including relocation assistance advisory services, be made available to all persons displaced by the commencement of a Federal or federally-assisted project by the head of the Federal agency administering or financing such assistance. Increases the amount of payment for moving and dislocation allowances for displacement from dwellings, business, and farm operations. Stipulates that the additional housing payments for occupant-owned dwellings shall compensate such displaced person for any increased real property taxes which such person wil incur during the life of the mortgage on the replacement dwelling. Increases the amount of replacement housing payments for tenants and certain other persons to enable such displaced persons to rent or lease a dwelling or to make a downpayment on the purchase of a dwelling. Stipulates that the assurances required of the relocation assistance advisory services that housing will be available shall: (1) be made prior to Federal approval of a project; (2) be based upon careful analysis of the housing needs of the persons to be displaced and the availability of housing; and (3) include plans for housing replacement by the Federal agency as last resort if comparable replacement sale or rental housing is not available. Authorizes the agency head to use funds authorized for the project to provide such housing. Directs the President to designate an agency which shall establish a single uniform set of regulations and procedures for use by Federal agencies and by States, State and local agencies, and other recipients of Federal financial assistance. Requires such agency to assure the uniform application and interpretation of such regulations and procedures. Makes provisions for aggrieved persons to petition such agency for a hearing. Requires such agency annually to make adjustments for inflation in housing costs. Authorizes the head of a Federal agency administering or financing a project to offer to acquire property from any person owning property affected by such project who is left with an uneconomic remnant in order to entitle the owner and occupant to full benefits under this Act. Allows the owner of real property to give or donate all or part of such property to the Federal or State agency undertaking its acquisition. Requires the donation or gift to be voluntary and in writing after the owner has been fully informed of the right to receive just compensation.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1980
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell commemorative medals honoring Maggie Lena Walker's contributions to the banking industry of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1980
Pollution Control Capital Recovery Act of 1980 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce from five to three years the amortization period for pollution control equipment.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1980
Food Security Act of 1980 - Declares it to be U.S. policy to develop a wheat reserve solely to provide for emergency food needs in developing countries. Directs the President, in order to carry out such policy, to establish a reserve stock of wheat of up to 4,000,000 metric tons for specified purposes. Permits stocks of wheat for such reserve to be acquired: (1) through purchases from producers or in the market, if the Secretary of Agriculture determines that such purchases will not unduly disrupt the market; and (2) by designation by the Secretary of stocks of wheat acquired by the Commodity Credit Corporation. Authorizes the President to release such designated or acquired wheat reserve stocks to provide, on a donation or sale basis, emergency food assistance to developing countries at any time that the U.S. domestic wheat supply is so limited that quantities cannot be made available for disposition, except for humanitarian purposes, under the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954. Provides that up to 300,000 tons of wheat may be released from the reserve in any fiscal year for use under such Act in providing urgent humanitarian relief in developing countries which suffer major disasters (as determined by the President), in circumstances of unanticipated and exceptional need when the normal means of obtaining food assistance make timely programming impossible. Directs the President to report to the appropriate congressional committees on wheat so released and its timely replenishment. Allows such wheat to be processed in the U.S. and shipped to the recipient country as wheat flour, when necessary. Requires that such wheat be made available under such Act, with specified provisions as to determinations of availability inapplicable thereto. Directs the Secretary to provide for reserve management as to location and class of wheat needed to meet emergencies, rotation to avoid spoilage and deterioration, and prompt equivalent replacement of removed quantities. Specifies that stocks of wheat shall not: (1) be considered a part of the total domestic supply (including carryover) for certain purposes; or (2) be subject to any quantitative export limitations under the Export Administration Act of 1979. Directs the Secretary to utilize the funds and authorities of the Commodity Credit Corporation in carrying out this Act, except that any restrictions applicable to the acquisition, storage, or disposition of Corporation owned or controlled commodities shall not apply to wheat for or in the reserve. Requires that the Corporation be reimbursed for actual costs under such program. Declares final any determination by the President or the Secretary under this Act. Provides that: (1) this Act shall take effect on October 1, 1980; (2) the authorities of this Act shall expire on September 30, 1983; and (3) any wheat in the reserve when such authorities expire shall be distributed under the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act in fiscal year 1984 and subsequent fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1980
Title I: Amendments to Small Business Administration Business Lending Authority - Amends the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to consolidate measures governing the granting of loans by the Small Business Administration to small businesses and to State and local development companies. Increases the total amount of loans which may be made to a borrower other than a State or local development company. Repeals measures which established programs for: (1) trade adjustment loans made to assist any firm to adjust to changed economic conditions resulting from increased competition from imported articles; (2) loans for businesses made with emphasis on the preservation or establishment of small business concerns located in urban or rural areas with high proportions of unemployed or low-income individuals or owned by low-income individuals; and (3) loans for small businesses involved in solar energy, other forms of renewable energy, and energy conservation. Prohibits the application of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to any agreement to make or guarantee any assistance under the Small Business Act. Eliminates certain requirements of the annual report made by the SBA to the President and the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1980
Small Business Capital Incentive Act of 1980 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a taxpayer to elect shorter useful lives for buildings and business machinery in computing the allowance for depreciation. Specifies that the taxpayer may elect a useful life of 15 years in the case of a building and its structural components, and four years in the case of business machinery eligible for the investment tax credit. Imposes a $3,000,000 basic limit for buildings and a $1,000,000 limit for machinery eligible for the election provided by this Act. Reduces from seven to three years the useful life of investment tax credit property which is eligible for the full amount of such credit.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1980
Research Revitalization Act of 1980 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a taxpayer engaged in a trade or business an income tax credit equal to 25 percent of the cash contributions made by such taxpayer to a reserve fund established to finance research or experimentation related to the taxpayer's business. Limits the total amount of such credit to five percent of the taxable business income of the taxpayer for the taxable year. Exempts such reserve fund from income taxation. Allows an income tax deduction for research expenses paid out of the reserve fund during the taxable year. Specifies that research financed pursuant to this Act shall be performed by an institution of higher education. Prescribes tax penalties for the use of funds from the research reserve for purposes other than research and experimentation.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1980
Directs the Joint Committee of Congress on the Library to procure a bust or statute of Frederick Douglas, to be placed in a suitable location in the Capitol.
United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1980
Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation extending best wishes and expressing appreciation to Carl Vinson for his devotion to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1980
Expresses the sense of Congress that the International Olympic Committee should allow Taiwan to participate in the 1980 winter Olympic games under its own name, flag, and national anthem.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1980
Small Business Equal Access to Justice Act - Title I: Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy - Amends title II of the Small Business Investment Act (Study of Small Business) to direct the Office of Advocacy within the Small Business Administration to assist the Attorney General, Federal agencies, and the Chairman of the Administrative Conference to facilitate relief afforded to small businesses under such Act. Requires the Chief Counsel for Advocacy to submit biennial reports to the President and Congress on awards made to small businesses under such Act. Title II: Small Business Equal Access to Justice - Excludes from the definition of "party" for purposes of this Act: (1) an individual whose net worth exceeds $1,000,000; and (2) any partnership, corporation, association, organization, or sole owner of an unincorporated business whose net worth exceeds $5,000,000, but includes an agricultural cooperative, as defined in the Agricultural Marketing Act, regardless of its net worth. Entitles a prevailing party (other than the United States) to be awarded fees and other expenses, including attorney fees, which were incurred by such party in: (1) an administrative adjudication (excluding ratemaking and license application hearings, but including such actions as suspension or modification of a license); or (2) in any civil action, other than a tort, brought by or against the United States, unless the agency conducting such adjudication, or the court having jurisdiction of such action, finds that the position of the agency or the United States was substantially justified or that special circumstances make an award unjust. Allows the agency or the court to reduce any such award to the extent that the prevailing party unduly and unreasonably protracted the final resolution of the matter in controversy. Stipulates that such awards in administrative adjudication shall be paid by the particular agency over which the party prevails, but prohibits authorization of appropriations to such agency for the specific purpose of such payments. Authorizes a party dissatisfied with such award in an administrative adjudication to petition for leave to appeal the decision in an appropriate Federal court. Authorizes a court to award reasonable attorney fees to the prevailing party in any civil action brought by or against the United States or any agency, including the Post Office, or official of the United States acting in an official capacity, where the court may award such fees in such suits involving private parties (thus applying to Government litigation the common law and statutory exceptions to the "American rule" which requires parties to be responsible for their own attorney fees). Directs the Administrative Conference of the United States and the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to report annually on the amount of fees and expenses awarded during the preceding fiscal year in such agency adjudications and civil actions. Makes this Act applicable to any civil action pending on, or commencing after, the date of enactment, except for civil tax actions, which shall be subject to this Act six months after enactment. Directs the Office of the Chairman of the Administrative Conference of the United States and Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to provide to the Small Business Office of Advocacy the information required to be collected in title I of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1980
Provides that Government life insurance shall be paid in accordance with any election of the insured. Stipulates that if at the time of death no such election has been made, the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs shall notify the beneficiary who shall elect whether to receive payment in a lump sum or in installments. Directs the Administrator to notify all insured individuals have not made such election concerning the effect of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1980
Expresses appreciation to Canada for: (1) its historic close relations and cooperation with the United States in conducting foreign policy; (2) its support for U.S. efforts to obtain the safe release of the hostages in Iran; and (3) its efforts to protect and arrange the safe departure of certain U.S. citizens from Iran.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1980
Establishes the Lake Tahoe National Scenic Area, in the States of California and Nevada, to be administered by the Secretary of Agriculture in accordance with the provisions of this Act and, in the case of national forest land within such scenic area, in accordance with the laws applicable to the national forests. Directs the Secretary to prepare a plan which shall contain such standards and describe such programs as the Secretary considers appropriate to carry out the purpose of this Act. Requires the Secretary, before adopting any such plan, to: (1) publish a proposed plan which shall be available to the public; and (2) hold at least two public hearings within the scenic area regarding the proposed plan. Directs the Secretary to adopt, within two years after the date of enactment of this Act, a final "Lake Tahoe National Scenic Area Plan". Directs the Secretary, as soon as possible after the date of enactment of this Act, to promulgate regulations which distinguish between the types of activities which shall be deemed to have a potentially significant impact on the scenic area and those activities which do not. Requires any State or local governmental entity which has authority to issue any permit, variance, license, or other type of approval for any activity which is deemed to have a potentially significant impact on the scenic area to provide prompt notice to the Secretary of any determination made by such entity to: (1) approve an application; or (2) carry out such activity (in the case of activities conducted directly or indirectly by the State or local government). Prohibits any such permit, variance, license, or other type of approval from becoming effective unless, within a 60 day period after such entity has submitted notice to the Secretary, the Secretary has issued a written approval of the activity. Allows any permit, variance, license, or other type of approval for an activity which is deemed not to have a potentially significant impact on the scenic area to become effective 10 days after approval is made, unless, during such time, any interested party submits a written petition to the Secretary appealing the approval. Sets forth specified actions that the Secretary shall take to ensure that certain Federal funds and permits are not made available to any State or local governmental entity having jurisdiction within the scenic area if the Secretary determines that such governmental entity has failed to: (1) establish regulations or laws consistent with the standards specified in the plan within one year after any such standards have been adopted by the Secretary; (2) interpret such regulations or laws in a manner consistent with the plan; or (3) notify the Secretary of applications for building or sewer permits or zoning variances within the scenic area. Allows the Secretary to charge user fees for use of the scenic area. Establishes in the Treasury of the United States a Lake Tahoe National Scenic Area fund which shall be available to the Secretary for the purpose of implementing this Act. Permits the Secretary to acquire by donation, purchase with donated or appropriated funds, exchange, condemnation, or otherwise any property, or interest therein, within the scenic area. Limits acquisition by condemnation to specified conditions. Allows the Secretary to establish a Lake Tahoe National Scenic Area Advisory Commission to insure public participation in the preparation and implementation of the plan. Declares that nothing contained in this Act shall effect any right of the States of California or Nevada, or any political subdivisions thereof, to: (1) exercise civil or criminal jurisdiction within the scenic area; (2) levy taxes on any persons or property within the scenic area; or (3) adopt and enforce any standards or requirements for the protection of scenic resources or environmental quality within the scenic area. Provides for the mitigation of local revenue losses due to an increase in property taxes on properties remaining in private ownership within the scenic area. Provides for judicial review of any final action or order of the Secretary under this Act. Repeals the Act consenting to the Tahoe regional planning compact approved December 18, 1969, effective upon the date of the adoption of the plan by the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1980
Youth Camp Safety Act - Establishes in the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services an Office of Youth Camp Safety to be headed by a Director of Youth Camp Safety. Requires the Director to report annually to the President and to the Congress on the activities carried out under this Act. Confers upon the Director the primary responsibility for the promulgation and enforcement of Federal and State youth camp safety regulations. Requires any State which desires to assume responsibility for the development and modification of youth camp safety standards to submit a State plan to the Director for his approval. Allows a State whose plan has been rejected to obtain review of the decision in the United States court of appeals. Authorizes the Director to make grants to States for the development of youth camp safety plans, such grants not to exceed 80 percent of the cost of carrying out the State plan. Authorizes the Director to enter and inspect youth camps and their records. Prescribes penalties for violations by youth camp operators of the standards promulgated pursuant to this Act. Establishes judicial procedures to restrain any condition or practice which poses an imminent danger of serious injury at such camps. Charges the Director with establishing within the Department of Health and Human Services a Federal Advisory Council on Youth Camp Safety.
![Official portrait of Rep. Addabbo, Joseph P. [D-NY-6]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/a000052_200.jpg)